Churchill Hopes To Return To CU This Fall

Lawyers for former University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill said they hope he can resume teaching this fall after a jury ruled he was wrongly fired for comparing Sept. 11 victims to a Nazi.

The university said it fired Churchill for plagiarism and other research misconduct. Churchill sued, and a jury ruled he was fired for expressing his political views.

The jury concluded he was wrongfully fired and awarded him only $1 in damages. The decision on whether he should get his job back is up to Denver Judge Larry Naves. His decision is expected Monday.

Churchill has until Monday to formally request reinstatement. University officials said they will challenge the request.

One of Churchill's lawyers said Wednesday he hopes for a quick ruling that would put Churchill back in the classroom this fall.

Churchill, who has become an icon wearing sunglasses indoors, was a tenured professor of ethnic studies when he was fired.

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